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  3. A couple of years ago, the digital divide — generally defined as the schism

A couple of years ago, the digital divide — generally defined as the schism

游客2024-02-10  65
问题     A couple of years ago, the digital divide — generally defined as the schism between those with access to technology and those without — was a hot-button issue. It was almost fashionable for government officials and high-tech tycoons to voice their concerns about the plight of African Americans missing the boat to the New Economy, and trailing whites in every category from computer ownership to Internet use.
    In the past, the digital divide was largely thought to be an issue of access to relevant websites. Today, there is a realization that the focus needs to be on training, awareness, and helping African Americans make their lives more meaningful through the use of technology.
    But the buzz about providing access has quieted. One reason is that many tech companies are hurting. Since the Internet bubble burst, many firms no longer have the resources to focus on bridging the divide. Of course there are some exceptions. Some companies provide support for programs that teach minorities about computers and the Internet, while others donate computer equipment to low-income schools.
    So has the divide been bridged? Not quite. But recent statistics suggest that it is narrowing. According to a recent study, the number of black Web users surged 19% in the past year, while the overall Internet population only grew 14% during the same period. But experts fear those gains could be hampered by governmental budget cuts. And some technologists say an increase in the number of African American Web users doesn’t show the big picture. They maintain that focusing on the number of African Americans who own a computer, or who have ever logged on to the Internet, misses the point. The real question is what people do with their computers.
    Until more African Americans develop an aptitude for using their computers and the Internet to better their economic situations, the digital divide is as wide as an ocean. Many remain optimistic, though, believing that as more and more African Americans discover practical uses for the Internet, such as finding business and employment opportunities, the divide will be bridged. [br] Why has the voices about providing technology access quieted?
选项 A、The government cut funding.
B、The problem has been resolved.
C、Companies lack resources.
D、Computers have been donated to schools.
答案 C
解析 第3段首句是此段的主题句，紧接着作者分析了其中的原因，其中一点就是manyfirms no longer have the resources to…，由此可知答案为C)，其中的lack resources是对文中的no longer have the resources的同义转述。quiet在此处是动词，意为“(使)平息，安静”。
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